Salary Comparison
Materials Engineers: Lawrence vs Houston
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Lawrence, KS
$102,972/yr
Houston, TX
$147,080/yr
Our recommendation: Houston, TX
Houston offers $2,522 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Lawrence
Houston
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$102,972
$147,080
$44,108
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$6,264
$8,947
$2,683
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
87
90
-3 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,254
$2,415
$161
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,296
$1,350
$54
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$4,010
$6,532
$2,522
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.78×
3.70×
-0.92×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
9/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
-1
A vs B
Lawrence — Full Details
Houston — Full Details
Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.